Brian Piccolo Sports Park

At first glance, this is an unlikely birding spot, with its assortment of baseball, football, soccer and cricket fields. Look a little closer though, and you’ll notice posts with flagging tape roping off holes in the middle of fields. Believe it or not, this is one of the best sites to see Florida Burrowing Owls in the state. The owl population here is doing quite well, and they’re the pride and joy of park staff, who accommodate the birds’ sometimes inconvenient choices of burrow locations. Respect their space, and you’ll get excellent views. They even hunt on game nights, when insects are attracted to the ball fields’ lights! This park is also a good location to see Red-tailed Hawk, White Ibis, Red-bellied Woodpecker and Loggerhead Shrikes. Scan the small ponds for winter ducks, and check the scattered trees for migratory songbirds. An entrance fee applies only on weekends and holidays. The visitor center has information about the trail.